Lacrosse training system

ABSTRACT

A lacrosse training device for practicing the action of checking an offensive player, the lacrosse training device comprising: an essentially vertical center member having the height of a lacrosse player; an arm portion pivotally coupled at a proximal end to the vertical center member at approximately shoulder height of a lacrosse player extending outwardly from the vertical center member a distance of approximately arm&#39;s length; a playing stick portion coupled to the arm portion at a proximal end of the arm portion; and an oscillating device coupled between the arm portion and the vertical center member, wherein upon manual movement of the playing stick portion from a first position to a second position, the oscillating device will cause the arm portion to pivot about the center member with an oscillating motion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems for training andpracticing the sport game of lacrosse. In particular, this invention isrelated to a lacrosse training system with or without a partner(s) andin a limited space and/or environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lacrosse is a spring and summer team sport of Native American originplayed with netted sticks called crosses. The world's first officialgame was played at patrician Upper Canada College in 1867. Today,lacrosse is played internationally as a 12 person per side game forwomen and as a 10 person per side game for men with differences inplaying rules and equipments. The field of play is approximately 110yards (100 m) long and 40 yards (37 m) wide. The goals are 6 feet (1.8m) by 6 feet and contain a mesh netting similar to an ice hockey goal.The principle of the game is to project a small solid rubber ball intothe opposing team's goal with a crosse (lacrosse stick) which is usuallymade of wood with a shaped net pocket at the end.

Players line up, each carrying a crosse, based on offensive playerscalled “attackmen”, “midfielders” or “middies”, “defensemen”, and asingle goaltender, or “goalie” per team. The attackman's responsibilityis to score goals. Players scoop the ball off the ground and hurl theball in the air to other players. Players are allowed to run carryingthe ball with their stick. In men's lacrosse, players may kick the ball,as well as cover it with their sticks. Play is typically quite fast, andresembles a combination of soccer, basketball and field hockey. Playersare permitted to hit one another with their bodies and sticks, althoughsome rules govern the manner in which this may be done. Thereforeplayers are protected by wearing helmets and heavy padded gloves.

Lacrosse players need to master the different skills to compete in thegame such as:

-   -   Catching and cradling—holding the ball in the stick pocket;    -   Cutting—a movement by an offensive player without the ball,        toward the opponent's goal, in anticipation of a feed and shot;    -   Feeding and passing—passing the ball to a teammate who is in        position for a shot on goal;    -   Scooping—an act of picking up a loose ball with the crosse;    -   Screening, Shooting, etc; and most importantly    -   Checking, a defensive technique in which a series of short,        sharp, controlled strikes to an opponent's stick is used to        force a player carrying the ball to drop it. There are different        types of checking such as Poke Check—a stick check in which the        player pokes the head of his stick at an opponent's stick        through the top hand by pushing with the bottom hand, Slap        Check—a stick check in which a player slaps the head of his        stick against his opponent's stick and Wrap Check—a one-handed        check in which the defender swings his stick around his        opponent's body to dislodge the ball.

There are no available training devices in the market specially designedfor lacrosse checking skills practice. Coaches and players usuallyresort to the traditional one-on-one checking practice where one playeracts as an opponent holding the ball in his/her crosse pocket while theother player try to dislodge the ball. The key problem of this method isthat individual practice is impossible.

During checking moves, opposing players usually engage in a tug-of-warsituation in reverse where each player is trying to fend off the otherby pushing against each other. In order to increase strength andstamina, some players use sleds that are designed for football practice.However, sleds are not catered for lacrosse training and henceforth notvery effective.

ADVANTAGES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object and advantage of the present invention is to provide atraining system that allows individual training with or without apartner. Players can simply set the system up and off by manually movingthe revolving arm 115 of the lacrosse training system 100 of the presentinvention in one direction. Then, players could try to tackle thelacrosse training system as if it was their opponents. Thus to improvetheir eye-hand co-ordination, strength, lacrosse stick skills etc. whichare important to improving checking skills.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is to providerandom movements of a lacrosse stick which is otherwise impossible toemulate by a training partner. The randomness of movements of thelacrosse stick can help improve players' reflex motion and anticipationof quick movement.

Another object and advantage of the present invention is to that itneeds no power to operate. All users need to do to start or initiate thesystem is to simply move the revolving arm 115 manually, or with apowered motor, in either direction. The system 100 of the presentinvention can be used anywhere, even outdoor environment where electricpower is unavailable.

Another advantage of the present invention is its wide usage both in anindoor or outdoor settings or installations.

Thus, the present invention is a lacrosse training device for practicingthe action of checking an offensive player, the lacrosse training devicecomprising an essentially vertical center member having the height of alacrosse player; an arm portion pivotally coupled at a proximal end tothe vertical center member at approximately shoulder height of alacrosse player extending outwardly from the vertical center member adistance of approximately arm's length, a playing stick portion coupledto the arm portion at a proximal end of the arm portion and anoscillating device coupled between the arm portion and the verticalcenter member, wherein upon manual movement of the playing stick portionfrom a first position to a second position, the oscillating device willcause the arm portion to pivot about the center member with anoscillating motion.

The lacrosse training device of the present invention further comprisesa lateral screen member extending outwardly from the vertical centermember a distance of approximately arm's length in a directionessentially opposite that of the extending arm portion.

The lacrosse training device of the present invention further comprisesa lateral screen member extending outwardly from the vertical centermember a distance of approximately arm's length at an angle to theextending arm portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the playingstick portion further comprises a lacrosse stick.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the playingstick portion further comprises a vertical stick portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the playingstick portion further comprises a shaped net pocket portion at an end ofa stick portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein theoscillating device portion further comprises one or more spring memberscoupled between the extending arm portion and the center member.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein theoscillating device portion further comprises one or more spring memberscoupled between the extending arm portion and the lateral screen member.

The lacrosse training device of the present invention further comprisesa flexible joint between the distal end of the extending arm portion andthe playing stick portion.

The lacrosse training device of the present invention is also a devicefor practicing the action of checking an offensive player, the lacrossetraining device comprising an essentially vertical center member havingthe height of a lacrosse player, an arm portion pivotally coupled at aproximal end to the vertical center member at approximately shoulderheight of a lacrosse player extending outwardly from the vertical centermember a distance of approximately arm's length, a playing stick portioncoupled to the arm portion at a proximal end of the arm portion and anoscillating device coupled between the arm portion and the verticalcenter member, wherein upon actuation the oscillating device will causethe extending arm portion to pivot about the center member with anoscillating motion.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein theoscillating device comprises an electric motor.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein theoscillating device comprises a gas-powered motor.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein theoscillating device causes a periodic, repeating motion.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein theoscillating device causes a continuous oscillating motion.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein theoscillating device causes an oscillating motion in the extending armportion for a predetermined number of oscillations.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein theoscillating device causes an oscillating motion in the extending armportion for a predetermined period of time.

The lacrosse training device of the present invention is also a lacrossetraining device comprising an essentially vertical center member, an armportion pivotally coupled at a proximal end to the vertical centermember at extending outwardly from the vertical center member, the armportion having a resting position, a playing stick portion coupled tothe arm portion at a proximal end of the arm portion and at least onespring member coupled between the arm portion and the vertical centermember, wherein upon moving the arm portion from its resting position,the at least one spring member will cause the extending arm portion topivot back and forth about the center member with an oscillating motionand eventually return to its resting position.

The lacrosse training device of the present invention is also a methodof practicing the skill of checking, a defenseman's action used in thesport game of lacrosse, the method comprising the following steps ofobtaining a lacrosse training device in which a center member supports avertical extending arm with playing stick portion and inducing anoscillation of the vertical extending arm and playing stick portion backand forth about the center member, whereby the oscillating extending armand playing stick portion resemble the action of a lacrosse playermoving the ball in a forward position.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the playingstick portion comprises a handle portion with a shaped net pocket at oneend containing a lacrosse ball, the method further comprising thefollowing step of using a lacrosse stick to dislodge the lacrosse ballfrom the shaped net pocket at one end of the playing stick portion.

Further details, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent through the following descriptions, and will be includedand incorporated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment ofthe lacrosse training system 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a representative top view of a preferred embodiment of thelacrosse training system 100 of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a representative detail view of a preferred embodiment of themovable hinge system 122 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a representative isometric view of another preferredembodiment of the lacrosse training system 300 of the present inventionwith a movable base system 308.

FIG. 4 is a representative isometric view of another preferredembodiment of the lacrosse training system 400 of the present inventionwith a motorized oscillation system.

FIG. 5 is a representative schematic view of a preferred embodiment ofthe method of use of the lacrosse training system 100 of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The description that follows is presented to enable one skilled in theart to make and use the present invention, and is provided in thecontext of a particular application and its requirements. Variousmodifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the general principals discussed below may beapplied to other embodiments and applications without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but the inventionis to be given the largest possible scope which is consistent with theprincipals and features described herein.

It will be understood that in the event parts of different embodimentshave similar functions or uses, they may have been given similar oridentical reference numerals and descriptions. It will be understoodthat such duplication of reference numerals is intended solely forefficiency and ease of understanding the present invention, and are notto be construed as limiting in any way, or as implying that the variousembodiments themselves are identical.

FIG. 1A is a representative isometric view of a preferred embodiment ofthe lacrosse training system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 2A is arepresentative top view of a preferred embodiment of the lacrossetraining system 100 of the present invention. FIG. 2B is arepresentative detail view of a preferred embodiment of the movablehinge system 122 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the lacrosse training system 100 of the presentinvention mainly consists of a main post 104, horizontal support rod 114and springs 116 system and lacrosse stick 120.

In a preferred embodiment, the main post 104 is an elongated tubularstructure made of light and strong metal such as aluminum, steel,fiberglass, wood, composite, or other natural or synthetic material. Thetotal length of main post 104 should be about the average height of aperson around 5-6.5 ft., or more or less. The diameter of main post 104should be around 1-3 inches, or more or less, and the cross-sectionalshape of main post 104 can be circular, triangular, square or other. Ina preferred embodiment, main post 104 is erected essentially verticallyand attached rigidly, fixedly or removably, on base 108 by inserting theend of main post 104 in the hole on base 108. A height adjusting,adjustable locking system 106, and/or by other mechanical means to raiseand lower the head portion 102 or other portions of the invention 100 isuseful to allow users of various heights to use the lacrosse trainingsystem 100 of the present invention. Also as shown in FIG. 1A, a plastictop structure 102 is rigidly, either fixedly, permanently or removably,attached at the top of main post 104, such as to resemble the head ofthe practice offensive player.

As also shown in FIG. 1A, one end of support rod 114 is attached rigidlyon sheet metal body screen 110 at support hinge structure 210. In apreferred embodiment, sheet metal body screen structure 110 is aarc-shaped piece of sheet metal resembling a thin semi-circular wallthat is suspended primarily by support rod 114. The other end of supportrod 114 is attached rigidly and horizontally to main post 104 at a pointthat has the same vertical elevation of hinge structure 210, or higheror lower as may be a matter of design or manufacturing choice. The mainpurpose of support rod 114 and sheet metal body screen 110 is to providehorizontal support to the main post 104 during practice where users mayassert lateral pressure to the whole lacrosse training system 100 of thepresent invention. Besides, sheet metal body screen 110 also representsthe upper body of a player as hindrance/blockage to users whenpracticing check skills.

In a preferred embodiment, sheet metal body screen 110 also providesanchor points for two pull springs 112 and 113. As best shown in FIG.2A, one end of pull springs 112 and 113 is attached rigidly to sheetmetal body screen 110 by an eye hooks structure 116 for anchoring. Theother ends of both pull springs 112 and 113 are connected together oneither side of revolving arm 115 at the movable hinge structure 122,which mechanism is best shown in FIG. 2B. The mechanism of movable hingestructure 122 with the dual effects of pull springs 112 and 113 allowrevolving arm 115 to revolve and oscillate radially around main post 104in travel directions α and γ.

A practice opponent's lacrosse stick 120 is suspended essentiallyvertically and is attached flexibly at flexible wrist structure 118 torevolving arm 115. Lacrosse stick 120 can be any regular lacrosse sticksuch as those available commercially. Flexible wrist structure 118 is arubber and/or spring structure that allows lacrosse stick 120 to swayand/or rotate in direction β essentially within a single given plane ofspace. The combined movement of α, γ and β resembles a player's movementduring a lacrosse practice.

The entire lacrosse training system 100 of the present invention ismanually actuated by rotating the revolving arm 115 in either directionsα or γ. For instance, if revolving arm 115 is pushed backwards indirection α, in response pull spring 112 will be stretched and placedinto greater tension. When user releases revolving arm 115 and/orlacrosse stick 120, pull spring 112 will try to return to its originallength by pulling in at movable hinge structure 122. In response,revolving arm 115 will swing to the opposite direction γ and stretch theother pull spring 113. Due to the naturally dampening of kineticmovement of springs 112 and 113 and eventually stick 120, the wholeprocess will repeat in ever-shortening oscillations until all energy isdissipated completely. While revolving arm 115 is rotating inoscillation, it will trigger rotation of lacrosse stick 120 in directionβ. With the combination of movement of lacrosse stick 120 in bothvertical and horizontal planes, it creates a random movement of lacrossestick 120 and users can practice their checking skills and/or otherlacrosse skills.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that by providinggreater or lesser spring constants, hinge tightness or damping devices,weights of components, etc., for the various components of the presentinvention, including springs 112 and 113, stick 120 or wrist hinge 118,etc., the period and amplitude of vertical and horizontal or otheroscillation movements can be provided.

As shown in FIG. 2B, revolving arm 115 is coupled to revolving hingestructure 214 by mechanical means such as nuts and bolts. When revolvinghinge structure 214 swings around the perimeter of main post 104,revolving arm 115, as an extension of revolving hinge structure 214,will swing in the same direction and angle.

FIG. 3 is a representative isometric view of another preferredembodiment of the lacrosse training system 300 of the present inventionwith a movable base system 308. As shown in FIG. 3, in a preferredembodiment, main post 104 is erected vertically and attached rigidly onmovable base system 308. A movable base system comprises mainly adetachable base 304 and sled portion 306.

In a preferred embodiment, main post 104 is detachably or fixedlycoupled to base portion 304 with a height adjustment, adjustable lockingsystem 106 or similar. The purpose of the height adjustable lockingsystem 106 is to allow users of various heights to use the lacrossetraining system 100 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, detachable base portion 304 is secured on top ofsled 306 by mechanical means such as nuts and bolts, or other attachingmeans such as welding. The purpose of sled portion 306 is to allow theentire lacrosse training system 100 of present invention to slide on asurface 98 when being pushed laterally or horizontally at the paddedouter surface 302 of sheet metal body screen 110. Padded outer surface302 is made of foam or similar padding materials available and isadhered to the outer surface of sheet metal body screen 110. The mainpurpose of padded outer surface 302 is to provide a sturdy and yetcushioned surface for people to exert horizontal push P on the lacrossetraining system 100 of the present invention in order to slide theentire system in forward F direction. The additional dimension ofmovement and horizontal pressure P will make practicing with lacrossetraining system 100 of present invention more challenging. Besides,users can practice pushing against a sturdy object as a simulation ofactual checking play during a lacrosse game.

It will be understood that the angle of orientation between the upperscreen 116 and padding portion 302, horizontal member 115, lacrossestick 120 and the lower sled portion 306 can be adjusted so as to allowmovement of the sled in any different direction.

FIG. 4 is a representative isometric view of another preferredembodiment of the lacrosse training system 400 of the present inventionwith a motorized oscillation system. In a preferred embodiment, themotorized oscillation system comprises a motor 402, a motiontransmission tube 404 and an actuator 406. The main purpose of themotorized oscillation system is to eliminate frequent set-offs oflacrosse training system 400 of the present invention so the entiresystem 400 could be kept operating continuously.

As shown in FIG. 4, motor 402 is secured on main post 104 by anymechanical mean that is known in the art. Motor 402 is electricallypowered by A/C and/or DC sources. The main function of motor 402 is toprovide mechanical forces to activate actuator 406 and subsequently tokeep revolving arm 115 swinging continually with and/or without pullsprings 112 and 113.

Motion transmission tube 404 is an hollow or solid elongated structurewith a preferably circular shape. The main function of motiontransmission tube 404 is to transmit rotational motion generated bymotor 402 to actuator 406. In a preferred embodiment, it could beachieved by a simple gears assembly or other mechanics that are known inthe art. Rotational forces are then transferred to actuator 406 which iscoupled with movable hinge structure 122, revolving arm 105 and pullsprings 112 and 113. The actuator 406 will then provide mechanicalforces to revolving arm 105 to keep it swinging periodically around mainpost 104. In a preferred embodiment, pull springs 112 and 113 helpprovide mechanical forces to revolving arm 115 as best shown anddescribed in FIGS. 2A and 2B and/or define the degree of rotation ofrevolving arm 115.

FIG. 5 is a representative schematic view of a preferred embodiment ofthe method of use of the lacrosse training system 100 of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 5, user 500 and/or others sets off thelacrosse training system of the present invention by pulling revolvingarm 115 to one side. Once the system 100 is “On”, both revolving arm 115and lacrosse stick 120 will be oscillating along their respective planeof motion. As a result, lacrosse stick 120 appears to be moving in arandom manner, resembling a lacrosse stick held by an offensive player.User 500, who is standing behind and/or on the side of the system 100,can then practice various checking skills and/or other lacrosse stickskills with the lacrosse training system 100 of the present inventionuntil oscillations finally die down. User 500 could repeat the wholeprocess by set off the system again.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention,the user 500 who is practicing his or her defensive moves, standsessentially in front of the upper screen portion 116 which is intendedto simulate the shape, size and orientation of an offensiveman holdingthe ball in his or her cage 120. The screen portion 116 simulates theback of the offensiveman with the arch of the screen portion 116simulating the curvature in the upper torso and extended arms which holdthe handle of the lacrosse stick 120. Thus, as the net, basket or cageportion of the lacrosse stick 120 oscillates back and forth, oscillatingeither under kinetic or motorized energy, the user 500 can practicethrowing “checks” around either side of the lacrosse training system 100in an attempt to dislodge the ball from the lacrosse stick 120 of thetraining system 100.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the present invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, preferred methods andmaterials are now described. All publications and patent documentsreferenced in the present invention are incorporated herein byreference.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear inillustrative embodiments, there will be immediately obvious to thoseskilled in the art many modifications of structure, arrangement,proportions, the elements, materials, and components used in thepractice of the invention, and otherwise, which are particularly adaptedto specific environments and operative requirements without departingfrom those principles. The appended claims are intended to cover andembrace any and all such modifications, with the limits only of the truepurview, spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A lacrosse training device for practicing the action of checking anoffensive player, the lacrosse training device comprising: anessentially vertical center member having the height of a lacrosseplayer; an arm portion pivotally coupled at a proximal end to thevertical center member at approximately shoulder height of a lacrosseplayer extending outwardly from the vertical center member a distance ofapproximately arm's length; a playing stick portion coupled to the armportion at a proximal end of the arm portion; and an oscillating devicecoupled between the arm portion and the vertical center member, whereinupon manual movement of the playing stick portion from a first positionto a second position, the oscillating device will cause the arm portionto pivot about the center member with an oscillating motion.
 2. Thelacrosse training device of claim 1 further comprising a lateral screenmember extending outwardly from the vertical center member a distance ofapproximately arm's length in a direction essentially opposite that ofthe extending arm portion.
 3. The lacrosse training device of claim 1further comprising a lateral screen member extending outwardly from thevertical center member a distance of approximately arm's length at anangle to the extending arm portion.
 4. The lacrosse training device ofclaim 1 in which the playing stick portion comprises a lacrosse stick.5. The lacrosse training device of claim 1 in which the playing stickportion comprises a vertical stick portion.
 6. The lacrosse trainingdevice of claim 1 in which the playing stick portion comprises a shapednet pocket portion at an end of a stick portion.
 7. The lacrossetraining device of claim 1 in which the oscillating device portioncomprises one or more spring members coupled between the extending armportion and the center member.
 8. The lacrosse training device of claim3 in which the oscillating device portion comprises one or more springmembers coupled between the extending arm portion and the lateral screenmember.
 9. The lacrosse training device of claim 1 further comprising aflexible joint between the distal end of the extending arm portion andthe playing stick portion.
 10. A lacrosse training device for practicingthe action of checking an offensive player, the lacrosse training devicecomprising: an essentially vertical center member having the height of alacrosse player; an arm portion pivotally coupled at a proximal end tothe vertical center member at approximately shoulder height of alacrosse player extending outwardly from the vertical center member adistance of approximately arm's length; a playing stick portion coupledto the arm portion at a proximal end of the arm portion; and anoscillating device coupled between the arm portion and the verticalcenter member, wherein upon actuation the oscillating device will causethe extending arm portion to pivot about the center member with anoscillating motion.
 11. The lacrosse training device of claim 10 inwhich the oscillating device comprises an electric motor.
 12. Thelacrosse training device of claim 10 in which the oscillating devicecomprises a gas-powered motor.
 13. The lacrosse training device of claim10 in which the oscillating device causes a periodic, repeating motion.14. The lacrosse training device of claim 10 in which the oscillatingdevice causes a continuous oscillating motion.
 15. The lacrosse trainingdevice of claim 10 in which the oscillating device causes an oscillatingmotion in the extending arm portion for a predetermined number ofoscillations.
 16. The lacrosse training device of claim 10 in which theoscillating device causes an oscillating motion in the extending armportion for a predetermined period of time.
 17. A method of practicingthe skill of checking, a defenseman's action used in the sport game oflacrosse, the method comprising the following steps: obtaining alacrosse training device in which a center member supports a verticalextending arm with playing stick portion; and inducing an oscillation ofthe vertical extending arm and playing stick portion back and forthabout the center member, whereby the oscillating extending arm andplaying stick portion resemble the action of a lacrosse player movingthe ball in a forward position.
 18. The method of claim 18 in which theplaying stick portion comprises a handle portion with a shaped netpocket at one end containing a lacrosse ball, the method furthercomprising the following step: using a lacrosse stick to dislodge thelacrosse ball from the shaped net pocket at one end of the oscillatingplaying stick portion.